Growing up in Maine, I enjoyed the typical Americanized Chinese dishes as much as anyone: chicken fingers, fried rangoons, pu pu platters, greasy lo mein, and flavorless chow mein. As a kid, it was always fun, but I can no longer stomach the gut punch of these grease bombs. Unfortunately, nearly every Chinese restaurant in Maine still serves this style of food.
Top Pick: Sichuan Kitchen
Address: 612 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
One excellent exception to Maine’s typical Chinese fare is Sichuan Kitchen in Portland. They offer authentic Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and often spicy flavors. One dish I recommend is the Daikon Salad, which provides a refreshing contrast to the heat of their other offerings. Another standout is the Twice-Cooked Pork, featuring tender pork belly slices stir-fried with leeks and spicy bean paste. It’s rich, flavorful, and exactly the kind of dish I thought I’d have to drive to Boston’s Chinatown to find.
Sichuan Kitchen brings the bold and vibrant flavors of China’s Sichuan province to Maine. Their dishes showcase liberal use of chili peppers and the distinctive numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns, creating a complex and exhilarating dining experience.
While the bold spices and numbing heat may not cater to everyone’s preferences, Sichuan Kitchen stands out as a true exception in Maine’s Chinese food scene. It’s the first place I’ve found here that delivers authentic, high-quality Chinese cuisine—and for that, it’s worth a visit.
Runner Up: None
Addendum:
Empire Chinese Kitchen: Not for Me
Many people I trust have recommended Empire Chinese Kitchen in Portland. Having lived in New York City, where our children attended school in Chinatown, we had access to similar menu items and ate Sichuan food often multiple times a week. I’ve tried most of Empire’s dishes, and nearly all feel like subpar imitations that are overpriced for the quality and portions. For example, their soup dumplings—an item I was particularly excited about—should be twice the size for the price they charge.
For me, Empire doesn’t hit the mark. Sichuan Kitchen, however, delivers the kind of authentic experience that stands out in Maine’s otherwise uninspired Chinese food landscape. If you’re looking for a taste of real Sichuan cuisine, give it a try.